What is Pipeline Drying? Pipeline Dew Point Drying with Compressed Air

Pipeline drying is a critical process in the construction and maintenance of pipeline infrastructure. This process ensures that newly constructed pipelines are free of moisture, which is essential for preventing corrosion, contamination, and other issues that could compromise the integrity and functionality of the pipeline.

Here are a few examples:

Natural Gas Pipelines: Before transporting natural gas, any residual moisture must be completely removed to prevent the formation of hydrates, which can block the flow of gas and cause significant operational issues.

Oil Pipelines: In oil pipelines, leftover water can lead to corrosion and rust, compromising the structural integrity of the pipeline over time and potentially leading to leaks.

Chemical Pipelines: Pipelines used in chemical industries need to be thoroughly dried to prevent any residual moisture from reacting with the chemicals, which could result in contamination or hazardous situations.

The Importance of Pipeline Drying

When a new pipeline is constructed, it undergoes a series of rigorous tests to ensure its reliability and safety. 

One of the most crucial tests is hydrostatic pressure testing, commonly referred to as hydro testing. During this test, a segment of the pipeline is pressurized with water to check for leaks in the weld seams. 

For example, in a newly constructed natural gas pipeline spanning several miles, hydro testing would involve filling the entire length with water and pressurizing it to ensure there are no weak points.

While hydro testing is essential for verifying the pipeline’s integrity, it leaves the interior filled with water that must be removed before the pipeline can be put into service. 

Imagine a 20-mile section of an oil pipeline, after hydro testing—this segment could still contain several thousand gallons of residual water. This leftover water must be removed to prevent future issues.

Dew Point Drying: A Key Step in Pipeline Drying

The final and most critical step in pipeline drying is known as dew point drying. This process is designed to remove all traces of humidity from the pipeline, ensuring that it is completely dry and ready for use. 

Dew point drying involves the use of specialized equipment to compress, cool, filter, and dry atmospheric air, which is then introduced into the pipeline. Again, consider a situation where a pipeline is set to carry refined oil products. Any remaining moisture inside the pipeline could mix with the oil, leading to contamination and potentially expensive cleanup efforts.

Dew point drying is essential because it prevents the formation of condensation inside the pipeline, which can lead to corrosion and other forms of damage. 

Additionally, by removing all moisture from the pipeline, dew point drying helps to ensure the purity of the product that will eventually flow through the pipeline, whether it's natural gas, oil, or another substance. 

For example, a pipeline transporting high-purity gasses for semiconductor manufacturing must be completely dry to avoid introducing any contaminants into the process.

The Role of Portable Compressed Air Treatment in Pipeline Drying

Portable compressed air treatment systems are crucial in the pipeline drying process, especially in construction and maintenance environments where mobility and flexibility are essential. These systems are designed to remove water, oil, and particulates from the compressed air used in the drying process, ensuring that the air is of the highest purity.

Van Air Systems' Gas Pak PROs are a prime example of equipment designed specifically for pipeline dew point drying operations. These dryers are built to withstand the demands of outdoor job sites and are compact enough to be easily transported from one location to another.

For instance, on a large-scale project involving multiple sections of pipeline spread across a remote area, the Gas Pak PRO can be quickly moved from one section to another as the drying process progresses, saving time and resources.

Conclusion

With the right equipment, pipeline contractors can ensure their pipelines are properly dried and ready for use. Construction teams working in a cold climate where humidity is high would greatly benefit from using these dryers to prevent freezing and blockages in the pipeline.

If you need expert advice on the best compressed air dryers for your pipeline drying needs, don't hesitate to reach out to our team. We're here to help you ensure the safety and reliability of your pipeline infrastructure.